Help Kids with Special Needs Access the Technology They Need

Hi I'm Ilana and I am a Junior in high school. If you don’t have a physical disability, you probably don’t realize how much technology exists today to help people with disabilities interact with the world. You also probably don’t realize how absurdly expensive this technology has become. Last year, I was made aware of these facts and began working with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Special Education Department to adapt learning and living devices to make them accessible for kids with special needs for FREE. To fund this, I created a GoFundMe and was able to raise $2,000 for these kids.

With this money I was able to buy and adapt over 100 toys for OUSD. In addition, I designed 3 distinct cases for 3 audio communication devices which speak when a button is clicked and 3d printed 1-10 copies depending on OUSD’s needs. I also designed and laser cut 7 layouts for key guides, pieces of plastic that sit on top of an ipad screen communication app and assist with clicking distinct buttons. Also, I adapted a mini power wheelchair which allowed kids who had never before controlled their own movement to do just that. Finally, this year, I created a club at my school (Lick Wilmerding High School) which has met weekly and adapted 92 toys. For more information on these projects please visit this website.

With new funds raised I plan to buy and adapt 4 more power chairs and tons more toys. I also plan to create any other miscellaneous technology solutions for kids with special needs that come up both in OUSD and California Children's Services (where I have recently made contact). Some miscellaneous items that I am currently working on are the following: a bidet that can be controlled with a foot pedal, a sock aid for young kids, and a playing card holder for kids who struggle with fine motor skills to play cards.

Overall, I am raising money to fund the continued adaptation of toys and the creation of technologies to help kids with special needs interact with the world, both in school, and generally in life.